Maloti Minnow Policy and Action Plan                                              <<..back

Introduction

The Maloti Minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae) is endemic to Lesotho, and is regarded as being critically endangered. The decline of this species began over 70 years ago, when trout were introduced into Lesotho’s rivers to provide sport angling. The predatory trout have subsequently eradicated the minnow as they spread into more of its habitat, and it is estimated that the species has lost 90% of its original numbers.

Genetic studies have revealed two distinct groups within the Maloti Minnow population, known as ESUs (Evolutionary Significant Units). One comprises the “Mohale ESU” from the Senqunyane, Bokong and Jordane rivers, while the rest fall into the “Eastern ESU”. The Mohale ESU comprises 77% of the total extent of occurrence of the Maloti Minnow.

The Mohale Dam development of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) will affect 97% of the Mohale ESU (if there is no mitigation), mainly resulting from the inevitable introduction of trout and yellowfish into the system.

The dam will inundate approximately 58 km river length of minnow habitat in the Senqunyane catchment, possibly containing 7000 fish. Without intervention, it has been estimated that more than 80% of the Mohale ESU could be lost within the next ten years.

The LHDA has already invested significant funds on studies to determine the distribution, status and conservation measures required to prevent the extinction of the minnow.

The Government of Lesotho is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and is mindful of the international concerns of the biodiversity community regarding the extinction of species.

As an agency of the Government of Lesotho, the LHDA is expected to take reasonable steps to conserve the relict Maloti Minnow population in the Mohale project area.